We are Advocates(Ad) who campaign for greater rights for Victims(VIC) of Homicide, their families & friends.

We bring together families bereaved by homicide including those affected by murder, manslaughter & fatal assault. We are a support group offering free professional counselling, peer support, practical information & legal assistance.

Read about our fundraisers, AdVIC in the news and projects that we have been working on…

The VRA are helping to conduct a survey of victims in order to develop a training programme for lawyers on the needs and rights of victims of crime If any victims are interested in completing the survey please click...

AdVIC was formed to ensure that the rights of families of homicide victims are not ignored within the Criminal Justice System and to bring about a fairer, more balanced system for such families.

We are not affiliated with any religious or political organisation, and hold no ideology beyond the right of victims and survivors to be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Bring together families of homicide victims

Be a voice for families of homicide victims

Ensure rights of families of homicide victims are not ignored within the criminal justice system

Give information about the criminal justice system to families of homicide victims

Work for a fairer, more balanced system for families of homicide victims

Advocate for changes in legislation

Improve coordination between the agencies of the criminal justice system

Provide peer support to families of homicide victims

Offer support both practical and emotional to families of homicide victims

Provision of booklets, information leaflets and a website to inform families of homicide victims

Development of a series of workshops for accredited counselors

We have engaged with all of the agencies of the criminal justice system

We have spoken at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally

Since AdVIC inception, Bi annual memorial services have been held to remember loved ones

In 2006 AdVIC was the first organisation of its type to be invited to address the Judicial Studies Institute

2007: Professional counselling service to individuals commenced

2007: Annual open meeting for families and friends of homicide victims

2009: Annual homicide bereavement support groups commenced

2009: Legal assistance to families bereaved by homicide commenced

2014: New corporate structures investigated, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer

2014: AdVIC became a member of Victim Support Europe

2015: Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell becomes Patron of AdVIC

AdVIC with other support groups

Reserved seating in court for families of homicide victims during a trial

An Improved Family Liaison Officer (FLO) service

An Improved contact between the prosecution team and the families of homicide victims

Bringing forward legislation on the Victim Impact Statement (VIS) to expand to families of homicide victims

Founding member of the Victims Rights Alliance (VRA)

Following a homicide, bereaved families may feel very isolated and misunderstood. AdVIC aim to offer help and support to anyone who has been affected by homicide

This may have been recent and we would encourage you to contact AdVIC early on in your journey through the Criminal Justice System as we can inform you and we provide many services as you will discover when you visit our website

It may also be years since you were affected by homicide but, it is never too late to seek assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us as we can help with many issues including referral to our subsidised counselling.

AdVIC receives funding from the Tusla and the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. We also receive donations from the public and families bereaved by homicide.

AdVIC is very grateful to the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime , to Tusla and to the many families who have over the years held fundraising events for AdVIC. Both the State Funding and the Families Donations have made it possible for AdVIC to provide their support and services including the nationwide counselling service.

How We Can Help

Phone & Email Support

Provide assistance and information to families via phone and email regarding issues they are faced with after the homicide, including referral to pertinent agencies.

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Understanding our criminal justice system

Inform families and friends of homicide victims about the Criminal Justice System via website and booklets. AdVIC booklets are sent directly to each Garda Station investigating a new homicide.

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Helping you make contact with agencies of the criminal justice system

During a time of trauma, families are suddenly dealing with many agencies and services they know very little about. We can assist you making contact with: An Garda Siochana, Coroner’s Service, DDP’s office, State Pathologist, Courts Services, Victim Support at Court (V-SAC), Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal, Victim Impact Statement, Parole Board & Prison Services

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Professional Nationwide counselling service

Help families and friends to survive the trauma of homicide by providing one to one free counselling service and homicide bereavement support groups.

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Nationwide Meetings

Provide peer support and through the use of invited speakers, provide information on specific facets of the Criminal Justice System during informative nationwide meetings for families and friends of homicide victims.

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Remembering loved ones

Bi annual memorial services for victims of homicide have taken place since 2005. All families and friends of homicide victims are welcome and can bring photos, letters and thoughts to be included in our Remembrance Book as a mark of solidarity.

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Lobbying for a fair and balanced system

Lobby agencies involved in the Criminal Justice System to achieve a fairer and more balanced system for families and friends of homicide victims. AdVIC has become a respected victims rights group and is recognised as the voice of families of homicide victims. AdVIC is also a founding member of the Victims rights alliance which is working on the implementation of the EU Directive on Victims Rights in Ireland.

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Legal Assistance

Through its in-house legal advisers, AdVIC can assist you on a range of preliminary legal advice’s and guide you on the best approach and choreography in relation to your particular case.

Latest News

The VRA are helping to conduct a survey of victims in order to develop a training programme for lawyers on the needs and rights of victims of crime If any victims are interested in completing the survey please click...